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Original poster

How to help DD with GCSEs

30 replies

BananasAreEvil · 29/08/2022 19:20

This academic year we've come to the decision that we're going to be more involved in DD's schoolwork as it's become clear that she needs the support. As a parent, what can I do to provide support that is consistent, helpful, meaningful and won't make my DD hate me? She's on board with he help, by the way, I just know that when we're all tired and busy, all good intentions might go out of the window.

Apart from encouraging her to set up a work routine she can actually stick to, minimise chores so that she can focus on schoowork and spare time is spent on things she likes, a tutor for her hardest subject and finding and printing past exams online that she can do, what else can I do?

OP posts:
TeenDivided · 29/08/2022 19:54

The boards all have their own past papers on their own websites. However there haven't been many 9-1 exams in most subjects due to the pandemic and missing 2 years.
Mocks are usually done using the last years papers which are not put on the websites to maintain integrity.

TeenDivided · 29/08/2022 19:52

I have 2 DDs. Eldest did GCSEs 7? years ago. She has disorganised dyspraxia. My list was based on her. My update was based on DD2 (who missed all of y11). Smile

With DD1 I did most of her revision 1-1 with her as her mind would wander otherwise. I also wrote the revision cards as she couldn't see what was important, and what wasn't. She wanted to do well, and tried hard and it was a point of steady revision as she wouldn't have coped with cramming long days at the end.

Original poster
BananasAreEvil · 29/08/2022 19:47

Thank you @TeenDivided. Those are helpful tips. Unfortunately we already suspect inattentive adhd, hence wanting to put all the support in place now that she's starting Y11. It sounds like you've had your fair share of challenges along the way.
Is there a specific website to get past papers? What happens if they practise with a past paper than then comes up in a mock?

OP posts:
TeenDivided · 29/08/2022 19:29

Other tips for success:
Don't have a pandemic in the GCSE year.
Don't have a child with MH issues.
Don't have a child with dyslexia, dyspraxia and processing issues.

TeenDivided · 29/08/2022 19:28

y11?

Make sure you have the revision guides, and/or access to seneca or tassomai.

Wait to do past papers until later in year when they think they have learned content.

Be interested in tests, offer to test their revision, ask what score they got, encourage reflection on how revision/test technique could be improved.

Help them with a realistic revision timetable if they can't make one for themselves.

Make space over xmas for revision if they have Jan mocks

Make space Easter onwards for revision, don't organise holidays without checking first, don't commit them to going to second cousin Tim's wedding at the opposite end of the country the weekend before exams.

Make sure they stay balanced and exercise & relax too.

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